New Dundalk signing happy to score his first goal

Jad Hakiki was delighted to bag his first-ever goal in senior football as Dundalk FC defeated Drogheda United 4-2 at home in the SSE Airtricity League Premier Division.

The 20-year-old Dubliner opened the scoring with a header inside eight minutes on his Oriel Park debut, setting the tone for what was a crucial three points for The Lilywhites.

A second goal, scored by Ryan O’Kane on 16 minutes, preceded Daryl Horgan’s second-half brace, which put daylight between the relegation-threatened sides as Dundalk cemented a five-point gap over their Louth neighbours at the bottom of the table.

“For a game like this, that’s what you need,” Hakiki told The Democrat afterwards. “You need to start strong and get the momentum on our side. Luckily we done that and kicked on for the rest of the game.

“The adrenaline buzz off that (goal) is unbelievable. My first goal in senior football was a long time coming, so I’m happy to do it here.

“You hear so much about (the Louth derby),” he continued. “Obviously when you’re not playing, it’s not the same, but to experience it first-hand was unbelievable. For the first time coming here, I got some welcome off the fans as well, unbelievable.”

Attacking-midfielder Hakiki, who has been capped at U19 level for the Republic of Ireland, moved to Dundalk at the beginning of the month from Shelbourne, where he played 40 competitive games since turning professional right before the 2022 season.

Three days after signing, he impressed on the left-wing during a 1-0 defeat to Shamrock Rovers at Tallaght Stadium, but played a more central role against Drogheda last Friday night – a performance which saw the ex-Belvedere schoolboy crowned man of the match.

“That’s what I was speaking to the gaffer about,” he said. “I want to come here, play more and start games. I want to help by scoring and assisting. I’m happy with the start here and I’m looking forward to the rest of the season.

“I’ll play anywhere the manager puts me, of course, but I’d like to see myself as a 10, creating and stuff like that, but I’m happy to come off the left as well.

“It’s a good group, so coming in, new face and everything, everyone feels welcome straight away, so you’re not going to miss out on that aspect. We’ve got our expectations for ourselves and with the situation we’re in, we definitely feel like we can come out of it.”

Next for The Lilywhites is the beginning of their Sports Direct FAI Cup odyssey, with a second-round tie against Drogheda set to take place at Weavers Park over the weekend. We might not be on the popular end next week, but we’re looking forward to the cup game. It’s important to win that as well.

“We’re not going in thinking we’re going to need to focus on the league. We’ve got a big game and we’re going to take the game as it comes. We’re definitely looking to do well in the cup too.”